Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a collection of fluid that causes swelling (edema) in
the arms or legs. This type of edema occurs when the amount of lymph fluid in a
person's arm or leg exceeds the body's ability to remove it, and the fluid then
collects in the tissues of the limb.

One of the causes of lymphedema is surgery to remove lymph nodes,
usually during cancer treatment. Lymphedema causes the blood vessels and lymph
channels in the limb to increase in size and number. It also reduces oxygen
delivery to the tissues, interferes with wound healing, and can lead to
infection. Lymphedema is often a permanent condition and may not completely go
away, even with treatment. The amount of swelling may fluctuate at different
times.

Lymphedema is often managed with physical therapy and compression
sleeves or stockings.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology

Current as of

June 28, 2013

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated:
June 28, 2013

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